This past fall Jose Minguez, a patient relations advocate and interpreter for Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Tulsa, took a challenging examination. And he passed it. Few people in the state will ever take this exam, let alone receive a proficient score. What makes Minguez such a special employee at this Tulsa cancer center is the calling behind why he pursued the achievement in the first place.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) announces that its hospital located in Tulsa has been named 2016 Guardian of Excellence Award winner by Press Ganey. The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes top-performing health care organizations that have consistently achieved the 95th percentile or above of performance in patient experience.

In its efforts to raise awareness for various forms of cancer and to recognize those who have triumphed over the disease, Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, 10109 E. 79th St., recently held two special events.

In July, John Oje was named executive chef at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Tulsa. Oje replaced Kenny Wagner, who left to reopen his family’s restaurant Paddy’s Irish Restaurant in south Tulsa.

A little over eight years ago Dr. Tom Vanderpool (a local Jenks optometrist) went on a fishing trip to Bimini, Bahamas, with a few of his buddies. What he expected to be some down time with friends and relaxing in a beautiful location was spoiled by an unexpected storm. Because of that storm, and Vanderpool’s curiosity, many children in the Bahamas can see better today.

As part of National Health Center Week, Aug. 7-13, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma partnered with Morton Comprehensive Health Services to provide meals and snacks for individuals at various Morton locations.

Utica Park Clinic (UPC) proudly announces the appointment of three medical providers, Heidi Dawson, PA-C, Timmeni Stevens, D.O., and Candice Earp, APRN-CNP. UPC, a service of Hillcrest HealthCare System, is one of the largest physician groups in Oklahoma, offering over 200 primary and specialty care providers who practice in over 50 clinics throughout northeastern Oklahoma.

For the fifth year, Bailey Medical Center of Owasso has been named one of the “100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare. Bailey Medical Center is one of only three Oklahoma health care organizations on the 2016 list.

Collinsville resident Linda Caton, RN, who is a nurse in the pulmonary department at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa (CTCA), in July, received a DAISY award for the compassionate care she gives to patients.

CHEERINGTHEPATIENTS: University of Tulsa Head Football Coach Philip Montgomery and members of the Golden Hurricane football team spread some cheer with the patients at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis in Tulsa, June 28. From left are Nathan Walker, Trent Martin, Coach Montgomery, Dane Evans, Blake Belcher and Keevan Lucas.

Dean of the OU-TU School of Community Medicine James M. Herman, M.D., MSPH has announced that John Krueger, MD, MPH has been named Chief Medical Officer for OU Physicians-Tulsa and Associate Dean of the Academic Affairs for the OU-TU School of Community Medicine. Krueger is a graduate of the OU College of Medicine.

DANCE OF THETWOMOONS: Indian Health Care Resource Center (IHCRC) of Tulsa CEO Carmelita Skeeter, left, stands with Alison Anthony and Mark Wilson, the 2016 Dance of the Two Moons honorary chairs. The 26th annual Dance of the Two Moons was held in March at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Catoosa. Proceeds from the annual fundraising event to support the community programs and services provided by IHCRC.